BPS claimants are required to abide by the closed period which runs from 1 March to 31 August where cutting and trimming hedges and trees are banned. However derogation can be given in the following circumstances

to enhance the environment, improve public or agricultural access, or for reasons relating to livestock or crop production;

to cut or trim a tree in a hedgerow during the month of August for the purposes of sowing oil seed rape or temporary grass.

Requests must be in writing to the RPA and work should not be started until a response has been received.